[C2] Convertible Top
11-13-2018, 01:04 PM
#1
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2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Convertible Top
I have an issue with the convertible top on my '66. The rear bow pin on the passenger side pops up when I hit the first bump. Driver's side stays latched. The pin does not seem to be worn, but getting it to latch is somewhat difficult. Does this mean I have to replace the deck lid latch on that side? Or is there an adjustment procedure?
Also, where do most of you put the gas cap when filling up? (I haven't driven mine very much yet due to some mechanical issues - now sorted.) So far I have been laying it on the ground, but wish to see what others do.
Regards,
Jerry
Also, where do most of you put the gas cap when filling up? (I haven't driven mine very much yet due to some mechanical issues - now sorted.) So far I have been laying it on the ground, but wish to see what others do.
Regards,
Jerry
11-13-2018, 02:41 PM
#2
Safety Car
The deck latches will adjust fore/aft about 5/8". Just loosen the three screws (two on the "clamp, and one nut/bolt at the front). and move it forward a little. ADJUST THE PINS WITH THE HEADER BOW COMPLETELY UNLATCHED.
When adjusted correctly, you put the top UP in the following sequence.
1: hook the front header, and DON'T latch it.
2. push the pins down in the back. You should feel/hear definitive "clicks". Two is normally enough.
3. Latch the front.
When lowering the top.
1. completely "unlatch" the front header FIRST
2. Push the pin release on the back deck, one side at a time, and pull up on the pins.
The usual reason that the pins pop out (assuming that they are not worn off), is that someone adjusted the deck latches with the header clamped down. This pulls the rear bow forward, so they get it all jammed up, and move the locks to far back. By putting the top up/down in the sequence that I've listed, you'll be using the physics of the top to firmly lock the back bow in the down or locked position once you "latch" the header.
BTW, the two screws that hold the adjustment clamp in place are 12 X 24 NOT 1/4 X 20.
When adjusted correctly, you put the top UP in the following sequence.
1: hook the front header, and DON'T latch it.
2. push the pins down in the back. You should feel/hear definitive "clicks". Two is normally enough.
3. Latch the front.
When lowering the top.
1. completely "unlatch" the front header FIRST
2. Push the pin release on the back deck, one side at a time, and pull up on the pins.
The usual reason that the pins pop out (assuming that they are not worn off), is that someone adjusted the deck latches with the header clamped down. This pulls the rear bow forward, so they get it all jammed up, and move the locks to far back. By putting the top up/down in the sequence that I've listed, you'll be using the physics of the top to firmly lock the back bow in the down or locked position once you "latch" the header.
BTW, the two screws that hold the adjustment clamp in place are 12 X 24 NOT 1/4 X 20.
Last edited by mike coletta; 11-13-2018 at 02:48 PM.
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11-13-2018, 07:49 PM
#3
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C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
and I put my gas cap on the ground. 
Dennis
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gjesion (11-13-2018)
11-13-2018, 08:05 PM
#4
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Had the same problem with the top on R66. The pins on the front bow were not aligned with the holes in the brackets on the windshield header. They were a hole off toward the driver's side. I put the top up and then loosened the bracket on the back hinge assembly on the drivers side to allow the top to move toward the passengers side. Don't know if it was the right thing to do, but helped the alignment on both front pins and the pin at the back on the passenger side. Maybe some of the experts can give you the correct way. Our top was definitely not installed by a Corvette shop.
I wear jeans most of the time, so I slip the gas cap in my rear pocket. Might be I just got lucking and bought the right jeans. Remember to take it out of your pocket and install it before you get in the car. Could be uncomfortable.
Ron
I wear jeans most of the time, so I slip the gas cap in my rear pocket. Might be I just got lucking and bought the right jeans. Remember to take it out of your pocket and install it before you get in the car. Could be uncomfortable.
Ron
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gjesion (11-13-2018)
11-13-2018, 08:31 PM
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I put the gas cap on top of the pump. Haven't driven off without it yet.
11-13-2018, 09:43 PM
#7
Race Director
I'll readjust my 67's top not that some knowledgeable folks have chimed in. One of those things I've been meaning to get to.
I put the locking gas cap in my front pocket with the keys, so I have to take it out in order to get the keys.
Lou
I put the locking gas cap in my front pocket with the keys, so I have to take it out in order to get the keys.
Lou
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gjesion (11-13-2018)
11-13-2018, 11:57 PM
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
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gjesion (11-14-2018)
11-14-2018, 06:45 AM
#9
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I have determined that the latch is bad. I see that there are two versions. One ~ $30 more than the other. Worth the extra $$$?
Regards,
Jerry
Regards,
Jerry
Last edited by gjesion; 11-14-2018 at 07:44 AM.
11-14-2018, 07:34 AM
#10
Team Owner
I take the cap off, hold it in my left hand, fill the gas tank with the nozzle in my right hand, pull the nozzle out, put the cap back on, hang up the nozzle, close the lid.
11-14-2018, 07:43 AM
#11
Racer
